Another B-segment contender is ‘hatched’! Nissan South Africa has just launched their new Micra city car, boasting an all-new platform, an all-new engine and a lightweight design. The Micra has been designed to deliver safety and economy at an affordable price, qualities that Nissan expect will make the Micra a popular choice.

Built on Nissan’s new Versatile-, or V-Platform, the Micra forms one of three new models, set to include a sedan and MPV, that will account for around 25 percent of the company’s global production. This new ‘world car’ architecture means the Micra has been styled to appeal to a wider audience too, having arguably lost some of the character from the previous generation in the process. The rounded profile and rear side windows remain, but the car has grown in a number of directions, specifically: 5 mm more in width, 61 mm more in length and 20 mm longer between the axles. A split grille divides the front bumper, which features fog-lights on the range-topping ‘Tekna’ model. The character line that divided the car so distinctly in the past, has been smoothed and raised, flowing into a neat rear-end with vertical tail-light units. Nissan were keen to point out the boomerang-shaped indentations on the roof, which serve to reduce resonance in the cabin. The car’s underbody has also been designed to smooth airflow for improved stability and lower emissions.

Following a what Nissan call a ‘connected cocoon’ design philosophy, the dashboard features a twin bubble theme, matched to the circular instrument binnacle and similarly shaped cubby hole. The cubby is split into an upper and lower section and together with smaller storage areas within the cabin, the Micra offers enough space for personal items. Thanks to the car’s longer wheelbase and roofline, legroom is ample in both the front and rear, while the same goes for headroom. Part of Nissan’s efforts to improve the Micra’s economy, includes a number of weight saving measures, of which the dashboard is one. Molded as a single unit, the plastic dash boasts reassuring construction thanks to almost 50 percent less parts than vehicles of similar specification. The seats are comfortable, the controls well positioned and all-round visibility is good.

Weighing in at 944 kilograms, the Micra is 36 kg lighter than before, which is just as well, because 60 percent of the model range is powered by an new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine. The smaller engine achieves class leading efficiency through its low weight, fewer moving parts, less internal friction and associated operating temperatures. In total, Nissan claim the 1 198 cc 12-valve engine will achieve 5.2 L/100km on the combined cycle, whilst emitting a lowly 124 g/km of CO2. With 56 kW and 104 N.m of available torque, the little 3-cylinder proved it had enough muscle to haul the Micra comfortably around town and up some of the Cape Peninsula’s steeper hills. Also available are a 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine, which produce 73 kW / 158 N.m and 47 kW / 160 N.m respectively.

The Cape Town launch route took the media over some of the Cape’s bumpy roads, which highlighted the compliant ride and handling of the new car. The Micra’s running gear comprises of an independent MacPherson strut front end with coil springs and a compact torsion beam rear axle, but the choice by Nissan engineers to employ longer travel suspension (95 mm), proved itself over the rougher sections. Power steering is a standard feature throughout the range and helps the car achieve a class-leading turning circle of 4.6 meters. Other standard equipment, in terms of safety, includes ABS, EBD and Brake Assist technologies. The Nissan Micra also has dual front airbags, curtain and side airbags, as well as pretensioner seatbelts, while the Tekna model boasts six airbags in total.

The new Micra is available in three derivatives and four trim levels, namely, Visia, Visia+, Acenta and Tekna. Visia has 14-inch steel wheels, together with black door handles and mirrors. Acenta has a black B-pillar between front and rear doors, body coloured door handles and mirrors, finished off with a chrome flash on the grille. The Tekna variant can be identified by the chrome surround on the lower air intakes, front fog lamps and 15-inch alloy wheels. Inside, air conditioning is standard, while the Acenta spec adds electrically adjustable door mirrors and a CD-player with Aux-in facility and four loudspeakers. The Tekna specification features a front armrest and height adjustable driver’s seat. The steering wheel and gearshift knob are leather covered and there is also Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming for mobile phones through the 6-speaker sound system.

Manufactured at Nissan’s newest plant in India, the Nissan Micra is a small car at a small price. The Micra enters the small-car playground where Volkswagen’s Polo Vivo, the Ford Figo and Toyota’s Yaris Zen are the popular kids. Nissan will have to make sure their cute new Micra is seen by all the Moms, if they want them to be tugging endearingly on its little cheeks and asking to take it home.

Pricing includes a 3-year/100 000km warranty and roadside assistance. A 60 000 km service plan is available on all models. Service intervals are every 15 000km.

Looking to expand its green car offerings, Nissan unveiled an ultra-efficient version of its Micra small car at the Geneva Motor Show. Powered by a supercharged petrol engine, Nissan says the new Micra model is more efficient than its diesel competition.

Dubbed the Nissan Micra DIG-S – which stands for Direct Injection Gasoline-Supercharger – the compact hatchback employs a supercharged 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine. Thanks to the use of the Miller cycle and direct injection, the engine runs at a compression ratio of 13:1, allowing for greater efficiency and added power. The Micra DIG-S produces 72 kW and 142 Nm of torque – which Nissan says is on par with a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder — resulting in a top speed of 180 km/h. The Micra DIG-S is rated at 4.09 L/100km on the combined European cycle.

“Ultra low emissions with no compromise when it comes to drivability means the Micra DIG-S sets new standards for the current generation of city cars,” said Pierre Loing, Nissan’s Vice President Product Strategy and Planning. “No other petrol-powered compact hatchback can beat its overall efficiency… and it is more than a match for an equivalent diesel.”

Following its Geneva show debut, the Nissan Micra DIG-S will hit the European market by mid-year.

via LeftLaneNews

The new Nissan Micra has at last been revealed at the Geneva Motor Show. It seems the Micra has grown up and traded its youthful, quirky, looks for a more stayed and conventional design.

Expected to be launched in South Africa later this year, the next-generation Micra is Nissan’s answer to the growing ‘global car’ trend. Built on Nissan’s new V-platform, the new Micra will be produced in China, India and Thailand. Nissan says its V-platform has been developed to maximise the car’s compatibility with the localisation requirements of different global markets. The Japanese carmaker has over 150 countries in its sights.

With a slightly longer wheelbase than its predecessor, Nissan says the new Micra offers greater interior space and comfort, particularly in the rear. The Micra will be launched in Europe with two engine choices. The first being a naturally-aspirated 1,2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine developing 60 kW and 108 N.m of torque, and the second a turbo-charged version of the same engine, producing 75 kW and 142 N.m of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with Nissan’s new Continuously Variable Transmission also available.

Nissan’s Parking Space Measurement system will feature as an option, along with a multi-function touch-screen with navigation, and a glass roof. Depending on the market, safety features will include ABS, dual front airbags, curtain and side airbags, ESP and pre-tensioner seatbelts.

Nissan SA has not released details on the specifications and engine options for the car’s local launch.